1 . Foxes in southern England have apparently developed a taste for automobiles. Instead of wanting to drive them, though, they’re eating vital components. The damage hasn’t just cost U.K. drivers thousands in repair bills. The foxes have also caused dangerous accidents when people have taken to the roads without realizing their brakes no longer work.
Already in 2009, police in the southern county of Kent warned drivers to check their cars’ wires and test their brakes before driving. Indeed, for some reason, the foxes seem to find brake lines particularly attractive. With their cars’ cables broken, drivers have had to get their vehicles fixed. That has resulted in occasionally sky-high bills. The damage has also resulted in accidents. Fortunately, we didn’t find any casualties linked to the foxes, but faulty brakes and cables connected to the animals have been behind crashes and stranded (抛锚) vehicles.
To stop the greedy beasts, motorists have tried all manners of techniques. Yet, the most effective way to keep the foxes away they’ve discovered is wrapping their cars in chicken wire. It’s a trouble to constantly have to take the wire off and put it back on, not to mention the potential scrapes and scratches on the paint. But suppose it’s better than having to get your brake lines repaired — again.
But why are the foxes so crazy about biting car cables? Nobody can say for sure, but it’s most likely a sum of multiple causes. First of all, the insulation materials (绝缘材料) on car cables in the U.K. were changed from petroleum-based materials to soy-derived substances some 15 years ago. Rodents (啮齿动物), from rats to squirrels, have been attracted to the vegetable-based coatings and it could be that foxes find them delicious as well. Another reason probably lies in England’s disappearing woodlands. With fewer wild places left, the foxes are increasingly driven towards cities to find food. And then there’s the issue of people feeding them.
“Foolish people have been feeding foxes and treating them as pets,” said animal psychologist Dr. Roger Mugford. “They normally avoid humans and anything’s been touched by humans but if they are getting food given to them, that’s changed.” If some drivers have been feeding foxes. they’ve brought this problem on themselves. Unfortunately, those same foxes will then proceed to haunt the entire neighborhood
1. What have the foxes in southern England done?| A．They have developed a good taste. |
| B．They have eaten drivers’ repair bills. |
| C．They have damaged some parts of the vehicles. |
| D．They have hit cars and caused some accidents. |
| A．The cost of each car repair is very high. |
| B．Police in Kent are helping drivers chase away foxes. |
| C．Foxes biting car cables have caused a number of rollover accidents and deaths. |
| D．Drivers in some areas were warned years ago about the damage caused by foxes. |
| A．It may cause damage to the car. |
| B．It may trap the drivers sometimes. |
| C．It’s easy to be removed and put back on. |
| D．It can be used to repair the brake lines. |
| A．Changes in car cable insulation materials. |
| B．The area of forestland continues to decrease. |
| C．Some people like to feed foxes |
| D．Foxes and rodents are similar in appearance. |
| A．Praising. | B．Supportive. | C．Grateful. | D．Opposed. |
2 . This fall, students at the University of Massachusetts found a new menu at their dining commons: the “diet for a cooler planet” menu. This meant herb-roasted lamb, raised with a carbon-friendly approach. It included sweet potatoes that had been picked from a local farm’s field post-harvest. The options were plant-heavy, locally grown, and involved little to no packaging.
“We wanted to let students participate in climate action by making choices about their food,” says Kathy Wicks, sustainability director for UMass Dining. The university is not alone in this effort. Increasingly, American consumers and institutions are thinking about how their food choices factor into climate change. For many, small choices at the grocery store, dining hall, and restaurant can feel more accessible than big-ticket options like buying a fuel-efficient car or installing home solar panels.
Small changes in dietary habits may make a big difference. Climate activists often target fossil fuels and transportation systems, but studies point to the food system as a significant contributor to global warming. According to Project Drawdown, a research organization that evaluates climate solutions, the way food is grown, transported, and consumed accounts for about a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Beef is a regular target. “If, on average, Americans cut a quarter pound of beef per week from their diet, it’s like taking 10million cars off the road a year,” says Sujatha Bergen, director of health campaigns for the Natural Resources Defense Council. Food waste ranks third among climate solutions. While much waste occurs before consumers are involved—food left on the field or “chucked” because it does not fit appearance standards, Americans also throw out a lot of food they have purchased: about $1, 600 worth a year per family of four.
“People are beginning to understand that their food choices make a big impact on climate,” says Megan Larmer, director of regional food at the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming in New York. But, she cautions substantial change will need to come from the wholefood system.
1. What is the purpose of the new menu at the University of Massachusetts?| A．To market the cold dishes. | B．To reduce the cost of packaging. |
| C．To popularize the plant-heavy diet. | D．To promote low carbon awareness. |
| A．Food is a decisive factor for climate change. |
| B．Food choices matter much to global warming. |
| C．Universities are working together in climate action. |
| D．Fuel-efficient cars are not affordable for consumers. |
| A．Fossil fuels are contributors to global warming. |
| B．Global warming are directly correlated with transportation. |
| C．Dietary habits can have a great influence on climate change. |
| D．Dietary habits have no effect on global warming. |
| A．It has great influence on carbon reduction. |
| B．It is popular among millions of car drivers. |
| C．It has a close relationship with gas emission. |
| D．It plays a significant role in American’s diet. |
| A．Food System Reform: A Successful Trial |
| B．Global Warming: An Approaching Danger |
| C．Carbon Emission: A Killer, or Healer? |
| D．Low Carbon Diet: A Craze, or More? |
3 . The discovery of the Komodo Dragons is one of the most important zoological (动物学的) surprises of the 20th century. Before 1912 it was completely unknown and it was believed that there were no more large lizards (蜥蜴) in the world. Then, in that year, a party of fishermen stopped at an almost completely-unknown small island in a group of islands. The fishermen brought back stories of a huge, prehistoric animal living there. The island’s name was Komodo. The largest of these lizards was over ten feet from nose to tail. Komodo dragons have also been discovered on several neighboring islands.
Are the dragons dangerous to humans? Yes. A Swiss tourist who sat down to have a rest while the other people of his tour group went ahead was attacked and eaten by a dragon. All that was left was a piece of his camera. A number of other people have been killed by dragon attacks over the years. The dragons can eat up to 80 percent of their own weight in a single meal. Their attack way is to wait behind trees, then rush forward and give a single large bite to the person or other animal. Most Komodo dragons prefer wild boar (野猪) or deer as their meals, but they will try to attack and get almost every other animal they can find, including other dragons. The largest dragons weigh around 150 kilos. Though the Komodo dragons can see well, they do most of their hunting based on smell. A dragon can recognize a certain smell from several miles when the wind is right. They will hunt when they have to, and these large lizards are more than happy to get an already dead animal when they come across one.
1. How was the Komodo dragon discovered?| A．Scientists had been looking for it and found it |
| B．It was found by chance by some fishermen. |
| C．Some fishermen looked for it on an island. |
| D．It was discovered by some tourists. |
| A．only on Komodo | B．on several islands near Komodo Island |
| C．on many islands in the world | D．on all the islands near Komodo Island |
| A．when people attack them, they will fight back |
| B．humans are their favourite food |
| C．they will attack and eat humans if they find them |
| D．they are much bigger than people |
| A．deer | B．humans | C．trees | D．Komodo dragons |
| A．always hunt by smelling |
| B．never hunt by looking with their eyes |
| C．can always smell something several miles away |
| D．hunt with both their noses and eyes |
4 . Plastic bags are not costly to produce. They are also strong and easy to carry. This is why they are a popular container in most parts of the world. But they are also a major source of pollution. It can take hundreds of years for plastic bags to break down. As they do, tiny pieces can poison soil, lakes, rivers and oceans. Therefore, environmental experts urge people to reuse and recycle plastic bags.
Maryland artist Allita Irby does just that. It starts with the morning newspaper. What is more important is getting that plastic bag the paper comes in. The mixed media artist recognized its rich possibilities about three year ago. “As I was taking the newspaper out, I felt the texture of these bags. They were soft. I just looked down and realized it would take three to make a braid (辫子).” Since then, Irby has been using plastic bags to create abstract lines in her art works.
Before incorporating plastic bags in her works, Irby used natural materials like feathers, leather and dried plants. All those elements represent her Native American ancestry (血统) and identity, like one of her works called “Navaho Bundles”.
Ms. Irby’s neighbors praised her ability to turn waste into treasure. Some, like Charlotte Hogan, asked the artist to teach them how to create art using the used plastic bags. “I think it is fascinating, and it is wonderful. I do plan to share it with my seniors at my church.” One of Irby’s neighbors Aleta Meyer expressed her surprise, “I have never given any more thought to what to do with a plastic bag. This is definitely different.”
Shirley Watts also lives in the neighborhood. She plans to show others her art. “I want to make a masterpiece that I can put in a frame and put it up on my wall and then I know that I did it.”
“Making art with found materials is not a new idea. Anyone can do it. Recycled paper, cloth and metal goods can become beautiful pictures and sculptures,” Allita Irby said, “I think we are all artists really, and there is beauty all around us.” The artist also said that all you had to do was open your eyes and bring the outside in.
1. What is mainly discussed in the first paragraph?| A．The advantage of plastic bags. | B．The disadvantage of plastic bags. |
| C．How to reuse and recycle plastic bags. | D．The importance of recycling plastic bags. |
| A．produces plastic bags | B．makes use of used plastic bags |
| C．makes plastic bags break down | D．urges people to reuse and recycle plastic bags |
| A．Supportive. | B．Negative | C．Suspicious. | D．Unknown. |
| A．Aleta Meyer. | B．Allita Irby. | C．Charlotte Hogan | D．Shirley Watts |
| A．to come up with the idea | B．to seek beauty all around us |
| C．to be open to new ideas and things | D．to choose the most suitable objects |
5 . Kayaking(皮划艇) is an activity enjoyed by many people of all ages. It requires little or no experience and nearly anyone of any skill level can participate. It’s most popular as a summertime sport, but it is also a great activity during the winter. Kayaking also seems relatively friendly to the environment, more so than speed boating or water skiing. Because a kayak doesn’t create large or frequent waves, require fuel, or let off polluted air, it is indeed a fairly safe activity for humans and wildlife alike.
Kayaking on freshwater lakes and streams creates little turbulence and therefore does not disturb fish or other aquatic life. Actually, the gentle paddling and movement of the kayak helps to bring seaweed to the surface, making for convenient snacking to the fish. However, there is a drawback to the all-you-can-buffet for your fishy friends. In addition to bringing food to the surface, kayaking also stirs up litter that’s been hiding beneath the waters. Some aquatic animals will mistake it for food. This could cause the animals to choke on the indigestible litter, leading to death. As hazardous as this sounds, it isn’t very likely for such an event to take place. Most litter in lakes and streams is found along the shoreline and settles in the sand and dirt, and isn’t likely to drift away to the main body of water. Unlike boats operated by motor and fuel, kayaks pose little or no harm to the fish swimming beneath. And because kayaks do not have a motor, fish have no risk of getting caught underneath the boat.
One potential hazard that results from kayaking is human waste. This depends solely on where you plan to kayak, and if there are resources available (such as campsites) along the shoreline. When there are no facilities in sight, you’re paddling in the middle of a lake, and nature calls, then often you are given no choice but to expel your waste in the middle of the water. While human waste is considered biodegradable, it can be harmful when swallowed by fish. The only preventative measure is to avoid using the water as a restroom. Some public lakes and streams have taken steps to preserve the quality of the water by requiring permits for kayaking. This won’t ease the human waste problem, but does help regulate entry into the lake and prevent it from becoming overcrowded.
An important factor to remember when kayaking is that you are a guest in someone else’s home. You may not be greeted by anyone or be able to kick up your feet and watch TV, but the water is home to many aquatic animals and wildlife. Just as you would not throw trash on the floor or destroy the home of another, you shouldn’t do it outdoors either. Keep all trash with you in your kayak and properly dispose of it after you return to shore. By doing your part, you will help keep kayaking a safe and enjoyable activity for yourself and the environment.
1. Which of the following statements is TRUE about Kayaking according to the passage?| A．Young people’s enjoyment of kayaking exceeds that of other people. |
| B．Water skiing has more negative effects on the environment than Kayaking. |
| C．Usually, kayaking is only practiced in the summer. |
| D．Whether you can kayak depends on resources available along the shoreline. |
| A．Providing aquatic animals with an all-you-can-buffet. |
| B．Stirring up litter to the surface of the water. |
| C．That aquatic animals choke to death because of eating the litter. |
| D．That most litter in lakes and streams is found along the shoreline and settles. |
| A．Recycled. | B．Environmentally harmless. | C．Poisonous. | D．Sustainable. |
| A．preserving the quality of the water there | B．stopping the waters from becoming too crowded |
| C．solving the problem of human waste | D．helping regulate entry into those waters |
| A．The environmental impacts of kayaking—is it dangerous? |
| B．The most popular water sports—kayaking |
| C．Advantages and disadvantages of kayaking |
| D．How to keep kayaking a safe and enjoyable activity? |
6 . When a dog looks at you with big puppy-dog eyes, it’s hard for you to go away, and you may speak out “Awww” without hesitation. However, there’s a reason why you find a dog’s stare so attractive. That sweet stare actually causes the release of a particular hormone, or chemical messenger in the body. This hormone creates feelings of affection in humans. The same thing happens to dogs when people look back at them. Scientists believe this helps people and their four-legged friends bond, or feel connected. Scientists have wondered what causes dogs to lovingly stare at their owners. To find out, a team of researchers from Azabu University in Japan studied 30 owners and their dogs.
The researchers found that after the pets and their owners spent half an hour together, both showed a rise in oxytocin (催产素). One key role of this hormone in many animals is to promote bonding, like that between a mother and newborn. The increase of oxytocin didn’t happen, though, when scientists repeated the experiment with wolves and the humans who had raised them.
A second experiment also found that if dogs were given oxytocin, they looked at their owners longer. Scientists aren’t sure exactly why, but this reaction occurred only with female dogs. Their owners’ oxytocin levels also rose as a result.
The result of these experiments might help answer an age-old question: How did the fearsome wolf ancestor of modern dogs turn into man’s best friend? Takefumi Kikusui, an animal scientist who worked on the study, thinks that the change happened when dogs first became domestic (驯养的).
According to Kikusui, there may have been a small group of wild dogs that were naturally friendlier. “Humans are very sensitive to eye contact. By using this special communication tool, the dogs are able to win over our hearts. If they are more likely to make eye contact, it would be easier for them to bond with dog owners,” Kikusui said.
1. According to Paragraph1, people say “Awww ” to ________.| A．make the dog stare at them | B．express their love for the dogs |
| C．draw the dogs’ attention away | D．warn the dogs not to approach them |
| A．reduce animals’ pain of giving birth |
| B．motivate animals’ desires to protect others |
| C．help animals to develop a better relationship |
| D．enable animals to survive more easily from dangers |
| A．dogs given oxytocin react differently |
| B．female dogs are more popular among humans |
| C．oxytocin helps dogs become man’s best friends |
| D．wolves are not likely to be friends with humans |
| A．dogs and wolves are best friends |
| B．wolves begin to bond with humans |
| C．dogs became friends with humans |
| D．dogs were domesticated by humans |
| A．To call on humans to be friendly to dogs. |
| B．To give advice on how to get along with dogs. |
| C．To introduce the evolution process of wild dogs. |
| D．To explain why humans and dogs are connected. |
| A．2,500 miles. |
| B．1,250 miles. |
| C．625 miles. |
